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Recreation Operations Manager Jobs in Illinois (NOW HIRING)

Sertoma Star Services

Recreation Supervisor

Lansing, IL · On-site

$36K - $52K/yr

... Manager in the development of cooperative grant opportunities through community and school ... operation of Sertoma Star Services Special Recreation programs, day camp, leisure education and ...

Sertoma Star Services

Recreation Supervisor

Lansing, IL · On-site

$36K - $52K/yr

... Manager in the development of cooperative grant opportunities through community and school ... operation of Sertoma Star Services Special Recreation programs, day camp, leisure education and ...

Marriott

Operations Manager (Front Desk)

Chicago, IL · On-site

$17.50 - $22.75/hr

... Center, Recreation/Health Club, Housekeeping, Food and Beverage/Culinary and Engineering ... CORE WORK ACTIVITIES Supporting Operations Team Ensures that goals are being translated to the team ...

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Recreation Operations Manager information

What is a recreation operations manager?

Recreation Operations Managers are professionals responsible for overseeing the daily operations of recreational facilities, such as community centers, sports complexes, or parks. They manage staff, coordinate activities and programs, ensure facility safety and maintenance, and handle budgeting and administrative tasks. Their goal is to provide a safe, enjoyable, and well-run environment for patrons. Additionally, they often work with the public to address concerns and improve services. Effective Recreation Operations Managers combine strong leadership, organizational, and customer service skills.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a recreation operations manager?

To thrive as a Recreation Operations Manager, you need strong leadership abilities, experience in facility management, and a background in recreation or hospitality, often supported by a relevant degree. Familiarity with scheduling software, budgeting tools, and risk management systems is typically required. Excellent interpersonal skills, problem-solving abilities, and customer service orientation help you excel in managing teams and engaging participants. These skills ensure smooth daily operations, high customer satisfaction, and safe, efficient facility management.

What are some common challenges faced by recreation operations managers, and how can they be addressed?

Recreation Operations Managers often encounter challenges such as balancing budget constraints with the need to offer engaging programs, managing seasonal staffing fluctuations, and ensuring all facilities meet safety and compliance standards. These challenges can be addressed by developing strong organizational and communication skills, fostering a flexible team environment, and staying up to date with industry regulations and best practices. Additionally, effective collaboration with other departments and community partners can help streamline operations and enhance the quality of recreational offerings.

What is the difference between Recreation Operations Manager vs Recreation Program Coordinator?

AspectRecreation Operations ManagerRecreation Program Coordinator
CredentialsTypically requires a bachelor's degree in recreation, leisure studies, or related field; certifications like CPR, First AidUsually requires a bachelor's degree or relevant experience; certifications like CPR, First Aid are common
Work EnvironmentOversees facility operations, staff management, budgeting in recreation centers or parksAssists in program planning, community outreach, and event coordination within recreation departments
Employer & Industry UsageUsed by municipal parks, recreation departments, and private recreation facilitiesCommonly employed in community centers, parks, and recreational organizations

The Recreation Operations Manager focuses on managing the overall operations, staff, and facilities, ensuring smooth daily functions. In contrast, the Recreation Program Coordinator primarily handles program development, community engagement, and event planning. Both roles require similar certifications and work within the recreation industry, but their responsibilities differ in scope and focus.

Is a recreation operations manager degree worth it?

A recreation operations manager typically benefits from a degree in recreation management, leisure studies, or a related field, which provides knowledge of program planning, facility management, and customer service. While some positions may accept relevant experience in lieu of a degree, having formal education can improve job prospects and advancement opportunities in the field.

What are the most commonly searched types of Recreation Operations jobs in Illinois?

The most popular types of Recreation Operations jobs in Illinois are:

What are popular job titles related to Recreation Operations Manager jobs in Illinois?

For Recreation Operations Manager jobs in Illinois, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Recreation Operations Manager jobs in Illinois look for?

The top searched job categories for Recreation Operations Manager jobs in Illinois are:

What cities in Illinois are hiring for Recreation Operations Manager jobs?

Cities in Illinois with the most Recreation Operations Manager job openings:

Recreation Operations Manager jobs near you
Infographic showing various Recreation Operations Manager job openings in Illinois as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 85% Full Time, 12% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 94% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution.

Recreation Specialist

Northwest Special Recreation Association

Rolling Meadows, IL • On-site

$43K - $45K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, PTO

Re-posted 29 days ago

Job description

Job Title
Recreation Specialist
Department
Recreation
Direct Reports
Part-Time Employees and Volunteers
Reports To
Manager of Programs and Special Events
Benefits
Medical, Dental, Vision, PTO, IMRF
Classification
Full-Time
Schedule
Estimated 40 hours per week Ability to work a flexible schedule Monday - Friday; will include occasional evenings and weekends based on programming and association business needs
Salary/Hourly Wage
$43.482-45,482.00
FLSA
Exempt
Job Purpose
The Recreation Specialist uses recreation, leisure, and activity-based interventions to enhance the physical, emotional, cognitive, and social well-being of individuals with disabilities. This role assesses participant needs, develops and implements individualized and program plans, facilitates therapeutic recreational programs, and evaluates outcomes to support functional improvement, independence, and overall quality of life within recreational settings.
Position Qualifications
  • Graduate from an accredited college or university with a bachelor's degree in Therapeutic Recreation, Parks and Recreation or related field of study.
  • Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist Certification (CTRS) through National Council on Therapeutic Recreation Certification (NCTRC) or Certified Park and Recreation Professional (CPRP), or the ability to obtain certification within a timeframe determined by Association policy and/or the Executive Director.
  • First Aid/CPR/AED certification required or ability to obtain.
  • Crisis Prevention Intervention (CPI) certification required or ability to obtain.
  • Ability to drive Association vehicles and obtain an Illinois Commercial Driver's License (CDL).
  • Maintain all required certifications.
  • Demonstrate thorough knowledge of the theory and philosophy of therapeutic and community recreation, with a strong commitment to individuals with disabilities. Possess the knowledge and ability to work effectively with individuals with disabilities.
  • Ability to assess, plan, develop, implement, and evaluate therapeutic recreation programs.
  • Highly motivated, outgoing, and confident self-starter with strong interpersonal and communication skills, both oral and written. Demonstrates leadership qualities, including maturity, flexibility, and professionalism.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities
  • Plan, develop and implement a variety of programs, including general, clubs, special events, Leisure Education, Winter, Spring and Summer camps, trips/overnights, Lightning Athletics, inclusive placements and cooperative programs, with creativity and enthusiasm.
  • Implement behavior management strategies as needed while supporting individual and social skill development, encouraging independence, promoting full participation by adapting activities, and ensuring participants' physical/emotional well-being.
  • Serve as a team leader for recreational programs, supervising and evaluating part-time employees and volunteers to promote group cohesiveness.
  • Solve complex problems, work efficiently under pressure, and meet deadlines for projects, assignments, and events.
  • Select and recommend supplies and equipment while overseeing inventory, cleaning, inspection, restocking, and ongoing maintenance within assigned areas of responsibility.
  • Assist in developing clear and concise communication for program staff, part-time employees, parents/ guardians, and community and district partners.
  • Provide on-call support for programs, addressing urgent participant needs and assisting with coverage, emergencies, or operational needs as required.
  • Effectively use phones, computers, tablets, software, and online tools to complete job duties, while preparing, receiving, understanding, and responding promptly to written communications via mail, text, or email.
  • Drive Association or personal vehicles for recreation programs, meetings, or Association business.
  • Assist with recruitment and outreach efforts by attending job fairs, school career programs, community events, and staff interviews.
  • Perform other duties as needed to support the Association's Vision, fulfill the Mission, and uphold NWSRA's Core Values.

Physical DemandsThe Recreation Specialist must, with or without reasonable accommodation, be able to perform the following functions:
  • Frequently stand, walk, sit, rotate, or feel; reach with arms and hands. The employee must be able to talk, hear, and see (both near and far).
  • Gather, load, transport, and set up equipment and supplies.
  • Ability to safely lift and transfer loads of up to 75 lbs. or apply up to 40 lbs. of force continuously to move objects.
  • Visual acuity required to operate Association vehicles.

Working Conditions
This job operates in a wide variety of environments. The noise level can range from quiet to loud. When working indoors, conditions can include different types of lighting, temperatures, and noise. When working outdoors you may be exposed to different types of weather conditions, heat, humidity, frigid, windy and wet conditions along with a variety of insects. You may encounter various exposures such as pool chemicals, cleaning chemicals, infectious diseases and a variety of elements when driving and programming for the Associations programs or Foundation events.
Equal Opportunity Employer
Equal Opportunity has been, and will continue to be, a fundamental principle at NWSRA, which bases employment upon personal capabilities and qualifications without discrimination because of an individual's actual or perceived race (including but not limited to traits associated with race, such as hair texture and protective hairstyles such as braids, locks, and twists), color, religion, sex, gender (including gender identity and expression), age, national origin, citizenship status, work authorization status, ancestry, marital status, veteran status, disability, association with a person with a disability, sexual orientation, genetic information, unfavorable discharge from military service or military status, civil union partnership, order of protection status, pregnancy, childbirth or a medical condition related to pregnancy or childbirth, or any other protected characteristic as established by law. Applicants requiring a reasonable accommodation to participate in the hiring process may contact HR at HRteam@nwsra.org.

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